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Friday, March 2, 2012

Dentist Indicator?

My guess is some people put off their regular check-ups during tough economic times, and then start back up again once they find a new job or are feeling better about their economic situation.

There's one thing from the list that he's missed and it isn't nearly so optimistic.

My girlfriend lost her job about 3 years ago and with it went the dental insurance. I stopped seeing the dentist in the hopes that she would find a new job and I'd be covered again. So that part definitely matches his theory.

In September of last year a crown broke off (and part of a filling popped out shortly before it). I could no longer avoid seeing the dentist. I had to go. I found a new dentist (wasn't all that happy with the last one). There was a LOT of work that needed to be done (much of it accumulating over the 3 years of not seeing a dentist). I have spent $10k on dentistry since September and none of it was covered by insurance. No joke.

My girlfriend did not find a new job. I am not feeling better about my economic situation. My teeth simply needed the work. It has been 4 years since the start of the last recession. I'm guessing that many other American teeth *need* work too.

Back in '08 before going embarking on my first of hopefully many retirements I figured I should go see the dentist. It was the first time in 8 years and the second in 12. I didn't know what to expect.

The hygienist couldn't believe I hadn't had a teeth cleaning in years. She gave me the usual nagging about flossing I tried to come up with something snappy without too much snark, but the best I could muster was a smile and eye-roll. Since then, I've come to learn supplementing vitamins K2 & D are the best thing you can do for dental health. Lots cheaper than a dentist.

Disclaimer

I am not a financial advisor. I am not offering investment advice. Although I have attempted to provide accurate information, that's all it is, an attempt. Please do not trust the opinions, numbers, and/or charts of a random anonymous blogger on the Internet. Make your own opinions. Make your own charts. Do your own due diligence. Thank you.